UCU leaders also point to university principals receiving pay rises of up to 15%.

Mary Senior, of the University and College Union (UCU), said: “With over a quarter of Scottish universities being hit by strike action this week, and more planned for the weeks and months to come, this dispute is becoming deeper and increasingly bitter.

"The absolute last thing lecturers and university staff want to do is go on strike.

"Staff have been forced into taking action and the breadth of what it taking place shows that our members are resolute.